Storm turn in season-best efforts in Omaha

OMAHA, Neb. - The Simpson men's swimming team produced eight, top-12 finishes and a handful of season-best times in piecing together one of its best performances of the season at the 2011 Mutual of Omaha Invitational on Dec. 2-3.

The Storm scored 123 points at the meet, placing sixth of six teams. NCAA Division I Colorado won the meet with 1,578 points, followed by Iowa Central CC (566.5), the Kansas Swim Club (419), Iowa Lakes CC (326.5) and the Nebraska Swim Club (123).

"The guys swam tough this weekend," head coach Aaron Strain said. "Everyone on the team made it back for finals both days, which says a lot about their dedication and work ethic the last few weeks. We have been pushing them pretty hard and it paid off this weekend." 

Nathan Schneider (Clive, Iowa) led the team with three, fourth-place finishes, setting two school records along the way. The freshman took fourth and improved his own school record in the 1,650 freestyle (20:05.88), placed fourth and re-set the school record in the 200 butterfly (2:31.64) and placed fourth with a season-best time in the 500 freestyle (5:37.07).

Cody Zaring (Euharlee, Ga.) added a fourth-place effort in the 200 breaststroke (2:39.89), swimming his fastest time of the season. He also turned in season-best performances by taking 10th in the 100 breaststroke (1:10.91) and 12th in the 200 IM (2:26.96).

Dustin Martens (Vinton, Iowa) swam a season-best time in the 500 freestyle (6:07.87), placing eighth. He also placed 11th in the 200 freestyle (2:14.57).

The Storm return to Omaha on Friday, Dec. 9 when they face College of St. Mary and Iowa Central CC in a double-dual beginning at 6 p.m.